When it comes to relationships and making that one big, major commitment, there are two universal truths that apply to everyone, regardless of gender, religion, sexual orientation, or whatever various differences that make us unique individuals: weddings are supposed to be magical and honeymoons, equally so.

But what that means translates into something different for everyone. For members of the LGBTQ+ community, it can mean something as taken for granted by straight couples as comment-free acceptance, license to be as affectionate as anybody else in a romantic setting, and romantic amenities tailored to their special occasion.

These are the basics. However, there are some hotel brands, resort properties, and destinations that go above and beyond to absolutely nail it for queer couples. Here are some of our top picks for queer honeymoons that will put them over the moon.

Iberostar Hotels & Resorts

“At Iberostar, we celebrate all types of love,” says a spokesperson for the brand. And they mean it, with a strict no-discrimination policy that extends to all Iberostar Hotels & Resorts—Iberostar Waves, Iberostar Selection, and JOIA by Iberostar—across Mexico, Central America, Europe, and the Caribbean, even if the destination may not share their values. For honeymooners, Iberostar offers both complimentary and upgraded packages for a total of five options that let couples choose the amenities that cater to their personal getaway and romance style.

For instance, the Pampered in Paradise package is all about connecting through wellness and relaxation, with a seaside couples massage, in-room essential oil diffuser, private yoga session for two, end-of-stay treatment, and more.

A cooking and mixology workshop with one of Iberostar’s chefs are also part of the experience, but it’s the focal point of the Global Culinarians package, which includes souvenir aprons, a cookbook, local liquor, and food and wine pairing event in addition to a romantic dinner.

The Adventuremoon is well-suited for more active couples, with an off-site excursion, water sport activity, digital memory and t-shirt to bring home, and again, a chef and spa sesh to wrap things up with. But swap the wilderness outing for a local market and immersive regional excursion and you have the Cultural Enthusiasts package. And for those who can’t decide on a singular focus, The Starmoon is a surefire bet, providing a little taste of each of the above.

Paradisus by Meliá Resorts

This brand of Destination Inclusive® luxury resorts makes immersion and a sense of place a focal point, which adds such a sense of intimacy and specialness to a getaway at any of their high-end resorts. On top of that, this brand has made a promise to be Queer Destinations Committed, an internationally accreditation and Queer Certification that provides their teams sensitivity training to ensure safe spaces where all guests can feel free and respected. This means gender-neutral spa treatments and wellness services, inclusive activities, and loud and proud support on-property and online of milestones like Pride Month.

But among their collection of luxurious properties that span Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and European islands such as Lanzarote and Grand Canary Island, Paradisus Los Cabos stands out as especially ideal for LGBTQ+ honeymoons.

This resort is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World and is adults-only for ultimate romance. Additionally, it offers The Reserve, which up the ante with suites; private beach, pool, lounge, and restaurants; and special activities. To step things up even further, Romance Managers can arrange things like beachfront dinners, couples sessions at Yhi Spa, bonding activities such as a private canyon tour and yoga class, and, of course, honeymoon packages. Or just ask them to add on the $1,000 honeymoon package. With that, couples get a VIP check-in; a welcome that includes sparkling wine, fresh fruit, and flowers in the room upon arrival; one romantic breakfast in bed with mimosas; 50-minute couples massage; private beachfront dinner with a bottle of local wine; special turndown service, and nightly petit fours.

Best of all, couples can get a little taste of this even before their honeymoon if they’re interested in a destination wedding and choose to participate in the Love at First Site program. This package offers all-inclusive accommodations in a Junior Suite Garden View room, surprise amenity, taster wedding menu, spa treatment discount, and special tour and meetings with wedding service providers hosted by a member of the Romance Team, who will also walk them through the different options. Best of all, couples at any stage of their commitment – even if they’re pre-proposal! – are welcome to participate, and their stay can accrue credit toward their wedding day.

All-Inclusive Hard Rock Hotels

What could rock harder than a glitzy, glam Hard Rock honeymoon? The answer is having it in gay-friendly, Queer Destinations-awarded Los Cabos, where the most recently built edition of the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotels is located. And best of all, their honeymoon packages start at zero dollars.

For absolutely free (when the honeymooners’ travel advisor adds this note to their package), couples spending their private post-nuptial celebrations at Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos get sweets with their sweetheart, sparkling house wine, a dinner reservation for one night, and an in-room romantic breakfast with their stay. Pro-tip: the latter is best with a swim-up suite!

However, for a mere $500, they can upgrade to include VIP check-in, personalized concierge service, a honeymoon dinner, included shared round-trip airport transfers (which is great if you’re booking Funjet Vacations), two honeymoon t-shirts, a sunset cruise for two, and a relaxing 50-minute couples massage at the excellent Rock Spa®. In the room upon welcome, there’ll be bathrobes and slippers, aromatherapy, and chocolate-covered strawberries, in addition to a bottle of bubbly. And as soon as the honeymooners check in to the property, they’ll be directed to the concierge desk to reserve any of the above that requires scheduling.

Meanwhile, in between all of that, they can enjoy the adults-only Rhythm Pool, take advantage of the Sound of Your Stay program with a loaner guitar, and more.

Curaçao

Speaking of overall destinations that should be top of mind for LGBTQ+ travelers, especially honeymoon couples, Curaçao is another one to keep high on the radar. With a lively Pride celebration every September – one of the best in the Caribbean with a vibrant, colorful parade, live performances and speakers, and plenty of gatherings – there’s no doubt that it’s a queer-friendly island. It’s proud of being home to plentiful businesses and hotels with IGLTA memberships  -- so much so that the Curaçao Pride Foundation organizes a diverse range of events, workshops, and outreach programs throughout the year, and, making any time of year a great one to honeymoon out there. This embracing of diversity is, of course, not surprising for an island that boasts representation from over 55 nationalities.

But equally important is that there’s no shortage of romantic things for couples to do there. The tourist board suggests taking “a romantic catamaran trip from the beautiful beaches on the west side of Curaçao to our secluded paradise-like island called ‘Klein Cura Curaçao,’” preferably during sunset with a drink and snack in either hand. As for which beach, they suggest you take your pick, as there are over 35 to choose from, “many secluded or nestled in private coves, giving you space to swim, lounge, and stretch out as you please.”

Equally relaxing are the many choices among spas and wellness centers guests have, not least of all the ones offered at hotel brands such as Zoëtry Resorts & Spas and Marriott Hotels & Resorts (including Renaissance). Don’t be shy about exploring what open-to-the-public amenities are available at boutique properties like Wynwood, Baoase, and Scuba Lounge, either. But for those who feel more at ease on the move, a hike at Christoffel National Park or walk through the colorful capital city of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a good active reset to build into any honeymoon itinerary.

Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts

As the resort brand that’s made Endless Privileges® and The Art of Life® its foundational cornerstones, it should come as no surprise that they’re on top of their honeymoon game. After all, when better to take advantage of privileges and embrace the beauty of life than when you’re starting a new one with a partner? Especially when “every part of a guest’s stay is designed to inspire and connect people to the culture, heritage, natural beauty, and location of each boutique resort,” an inside expert tells TravelBlogue, as well as connect them with each other.

That said, the intimate Zoëtry® Curaçao Resort & Spa is a home run both for the brand and the destination, which we just highlighted. Unique experiences, restorative spa treatments, gourmet dining, and attentive personal service create a sense of honeymoon-worthy luxury, as well as making amenities like a welcome beach bag, 20-minute wellness treatment per guest per stay, thrice-daily maid service, and included laundry standard for all guests.

But going a step further and asking for the Honeymoon Bliss package delivers just that. This package includes a welcome spread of sparkling wine, fresh fruit, and flowers in the room, and petit fours with each night’s turndown service. One night gets the “romantic” treatment with additional mood enhancing extras; schedule this for the same night you have the private dinner with a bottle of wine and special menu, which is also included. There’s also a 25-minute couples massage and a choice of couples spa treatment on the table and mimosa breakfast in bed. Best of all, it’s complimentary if travel dates are within three months of tying the knot and/or when booking the Master Suite Tropical Garden View or higher for a minimum of seven nights!

Bonus: couples get to relive the experience with the free anniversary nights offer, where they’ll earn two additional nights free if they return for at least five paid days on their first anniversary, or one for paid stays of four nights.